Derrick from Pleasant Hill, IA

There are locks on all the doors to get into the housing. This makes it so creating a lock-down easy as the ID is used as the key.

Clubs and Activities

There has to be over 50 clubs and organizations on campus. If you want to be in something it is very easy. If they don't have the club or organization that you want to be in then it is really easy to create one.

Great for these types of students

Anyone

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

All the COSA events are special to Graceland, weekly house meeting, bonding between members of each hall, housing system, close proximity of everything on campus, and involvement/inclusiveness brought for each student.

Bang for the buck

Graceland is at a great cost for what the experience you get. Tuition is rising, but that is because it has to accommodate for the economy.

Some days it feels like having a home cooked meal. Other days however, the menu choice and selection might need a few adjustments. There is the swarm and the commons as well to give a bigger variety. Unfortunately if a student doesn't have much time they end up eating in the swarm much more. There is not a big selection there because it is more like a fast food restaurant.

Dorm Life

One of the best parts about Graceland. Living on the same floor with many of your best friends (and brothers or sisters) can really make this the best time of your life.

Academic Rigor

There are ways for those in advanced programs in high school looking for a challenge, but also those who were not as successful in high school to still be successful here. There is also a wide selection of classes and majors each student is able to strive for.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure that you take advantage of the opportunities and experiences available at Graceland. School is important, but don't forget to balance your time with homework, friends and yourself. Make the best of your education and the possibilities that come from the small class sizes.

In three sentences

There is a loving and welcoming community for everyone. Opportunities are available to anyone who wants them. With a small school you are able to work more 1-on-1 with the teachers.

Hannah from Pleasant Hill, MO

The campus is extremely safe, I dont even have to worry about locking my car!

Greek Life

There are multiple male and female halls on campus, one of which you are placed once you enroll at GU that the admissions office think you will fit in best based on your major, personality, and other such information. You room with a member from your hall and live on an actual hall with these people. Your hall is also your team for campus activites.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many clubs for students to get involved in, just name it and we probably have a club for it! We actually have a day for students to look at booths set up by their peers and become a member to clubs that they think might suit them.

Great for these types of students

Great for students that like alot of individual attention from professors, are happy with a small town where everyone knows who you are, and for those students that like to be involved.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The differnt halls on campus have traditions completely unique to their hall that they carry out every year. There are a few unique landmarks on campus as well that we take alot of pride in.

What to do for fun

The student government has a group called COSA that provides activited for students to do both on an individual basis and as a hall. COSA brings in performers, organizes an end of the year carnival, wednesday night movies, and many other events throughout the school year. Id say there was at least one event per week!

Food and Dining

sodexo provides food for our campus and they do an excellent job in providing us with multiple options in styles of food and variety at every meal. It obviously isnt quite as good as a homade meal by your mother but it does the job!

Dorm Life

There are no sororities or fraternities, but instead everyone is automatically placed on a hall which are similar to greek life. This is so that everone has a sense of belonging, the housing system is excellent and you can't find anything like it anywhere else it is totally unique to the GU campus!

Academic Rigor

The academic programs at Graceland are great, the amount of time you spend with your professors in and out of the class room makes your learning that much more beneficial because of your ability to have a one on one relationship with your professors.

Tips for prospective students

Although the campus is small and may not be as well known as bigger schools, if you actually take a campus tour and meet some of the GU family it might just change your mind! There can be a bit of a culture shock at first because of how small the town is and all of the near-by amish farms, but just remember that everyone is there for you and if you get involved in alot of the student activities it is so much easier to adjust!

In three sentences

Graceland is very welcoming to everyone, no matter what you as an individual are a top priority for the professors. Everyone there cares about your success, and you will meet some of the most genuine and friendly people that will be mentors or even just friends you keep in touch with for the rest of your life. Graceland is a close-knit community where no one gets left out and and everyone has a definate feeling of value.

Anonymous

You are 110% safe on the campus, and the police station is right around the corner from the campus too.

Greek Life

Well at Graceland University, they have different Greeks on your dorm hall. So every floor is a different Greek, and you will do different activities with your Greek hall.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many clubs & activities to be involved in. There is no reason why anyone should be bored or lonely at Gracelsand, because there are some many things to do deal with different clubs.

Great for these types of students

Graceland University is a great school for students that isn't really a party type of person. This is also great for a student that like small amount of students in one classroom at a time.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There really isn't any unusual traditions or locations on campus that i know of.

Bang for the buck

Graceland University also has a great looking campus too. Its a has two lakes on it two gyms for sports players & another just for everybody else.

What to do for fun

There are a lot of things to do. You can go into town and go to the movies, go play baskball or football when the teams aren't using the gym or the field. You can also go to the activities to dorms be having also.

Food and Dining

The food is pretty cool. They make sure that you'll never go hungry, for sure. There's no better food than home cooked food, but they try there best to make you feel like your at home though.

Dorm Life

The dorms are one of the best part of Graceland, because they have so many activities involving you in the dorm. Its like you own family in the dorms in my opinion.

Academic Rigor

At Graceland, everyone take academics very serious more than anything. If you play a sport, your coach will make sure your doing good in the classroom before you even think about playing your sport. That's how serious academic is to everyone, which in my eyes is a wonderful thing.

Tips for prospective students

Tip 1. ALWAYS go to class & be on time. Tip 2. Have good time management Tip 3. Work first, then play later. Tip 4. Stay focus on the reason why your in college and try hard not to get distracted.

In three sentences

Graceland University is a wonderful college to stay focus on your major. There are so many people that are willing to help you reach your goals at Graceland. In my opinion, i feel like no one can fail at Graceland University.

Shelbi from Independence, MO

There were police officers all around, which really made me feel safe.

Greek Life

I haven't experienced this.

Clubs and Activities

I was told there were many to be apart of!

Great for these types of students

People who really want to exceed in life.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Haven't experienced this.

Bang for the buck

It may seem pricey and expensive, but they have a lot of schalarships to offer

What to do for fun

There are lots of programs to get involved in.

Food and Dining

I haven't experienced it. But have heard it's nice.

Dorm Life

I haven't experienced it. But beautiful campus

Academic Rigor

I have not experienced it myself, but I have been told that it is challenging, but the teachers really want to see you exceed.

Tips for prospective students

Talk to an advisor about your questions and what you hope to accomplish our of this school, and they will explain to you whether this school is for you or not. They also help plan out your class schedule, which is something that is extremely stressful, and they help make it easy.

In three sentences

Graceland is a beautiful campuse.Everyone I have spoken to has been honest, respectful, encouraging, motivation. Instead of making me believe that I won't be able to complete their nursing program, they have explained to me that it is difficult, and it will be hard to complete, but I am completely capable of doing so.

Sharice from Lamoni, IA

Great for: Those who are used to all four seasons Those who love snow Those who love animals Those who like quiet and relaxed atmospheres

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

We have the annual Luau (that is put on by the Polynesian club), Big Man on Campus (somewhat like a pageant for the guys), Zombie Prom, Valentines Day dance, New Years in November (because we are not together to celebrate New Years, we have a dance in November), and many other fun things.

Bang for the buck

It is expensive here but there are a lot of financial aid available.

What to do for fun

There are always events going on around campus. There is also The Coliseum (movie theatre) that is open Thursday nights (Thursday night movie is free to all Graceland students and staff) and Friday-Sunday. There is the Bar and Choices (our 18+ club) that is open Friday and Saturday nights. Besides these, students usually always find something to do.

Tips for prospective students

Come out here with a positive attitude. If you find that Graceland isn't for you, don't turn other students away. Not every college is for every student.

In three sentences

Graceland is a good atmosphere for those who want to get a break away from the craziness of busy, loud cities. It has a quaint and relaxed atmosphere. The weather may be unpredictable, but don't let that deter you.

Keyana from Palmdale, CA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has not been to campus.

12 of 23

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Comments

What to do for fun

There are many events on campus that happen where you can go and join and have a great time.

Dorm Life

Everyone is clean and polite.

Academic Rigor

The expectations are set high considering it is a private University.

Tips for prospective students

Choose Graceland, your future would only get better by attending. You will feel like home because everyone here is a family.

In three sentences

Graceland University is the next step in living your dream and becoming successful. Everyone I have met so far have been utterly amazing and polite. This University is a great way to start your future.

Suchit from Lamoni, IA

In Lamoni and in Graceland, no one has to worry about any safety concerns as people as a whole in this community stress a lot on campus safety.

Clubs and Activities

There are lot of different types of clubs that you can participate to. This includes clubs for computer science students, Outreach International, International club, and many more. Students here get a lot of choices regarding clubs and activities.

Bang for the buck

It is worth coming to Graceland and this place is a place you will never forget in the rest of your life. Graceland believes in Passion to Succeed. So, it is worth paying for Graceland University.

What to do for fun

Graceland provides with range of activities including sporting, dancing and many more. Hanging out with friends in Graceland is a great experience.

Food and Dining

Food is not something that is praised in Graceland as there are lot of students. Graceland do need to improve on food services with more consideration.

Dorm Life

Graceland dorm life is one of the great. Graceland provides students with housing system and your house members are like your family members where you work and enjoy together to succeed as a whole.

Academic Rigor

Well in Graceland, you get every help, resources and time from everyone for you to succeed in academics. They provide great scholarship for academically good standing students but still athletes get better scholarships.

Tips for prospective students

Graceland University is a wonderful college and so much different than others. So be ready to get the warm welcome from everyone as even a person you have never seen will make you feel you are part of the community. And don't worry about anything about what field of study you want to go to because you will learn great stuff as Graceland is a liberal arts college.

In three sentences

Graceland University is a peaceful college in a small and quiet town Lamoni. Graceland provides students with the sense of community as a whole where everyone helps each other. Graceland provides resources for the student to prosper in their area of study.

I personally dont like the food Chicken is nice... vegetables are not seasoned Nice pizza Great swap options at the swarm inn.

Dorm Life

Good sense of community. Dorm rooms could be bigger, but they aren't too stuffy. A kitchen on the floor would be great. Our dorms have AC Great WIFI connection Bathrooms are no longer communal; private showers. Nice dorm events e.g mud games, movie night

Don't be discouraged by its country setting, this small town still has a lot to offer. Not all mobile phones work here, e.g. my room mates phone; get verizon or a tracfone (I have that). Apply for institutional aid because almost everyone gets some form of it. Come with an open mind and heart, smile at everyone and I'm sure they'll smile back.

In three sentences

Graceland University is a really warm community of learners and educators and every facet of your character is given the chance to flourish since this is a liberal arts and sciences university. The atmosphere around campus is great and instead of fraternities and sororities, everyone belongs to a house which is a lot more tightly knitted together. Being at Graceland is an absolutely wonderful experience and I hope to encounter many more great ones in the future.

Dawn from Lees Summit, MO

I can't say anything because i never went to the Lamoni campus. Independence doesn't have a dining hall.

Dorm Life

I can't say anything because i never went to the Lamoni campus. Independence doesn't have any dorms.

Academic Rigor

Nursing school is not easy, no matter where you go. However, this staff really wants to you succeed! I can't say that for the other schools I've looked into.

Tips for prospective students

Be sure you know what you want to do, after you graduate. Make sure it's an attainable goal before you set out on an expensive endeavor (aka college). I'm working on my second bachelor' s because I wasn't given this advise.

In three sentences

I'm attending the nursing school, in Independence, MO. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The campus is always clean and nice in appearance.

student

If you go to parties or whatever do not trust most of the students. Students don't really tend to take care of each other.

Bang for the buck

it's super expensive and they do help with scholarships but they don't offer enough help. Another reason why I am leaving.

What to do for fun

Clubs.

Dorm Life

Some students can make your life miserable because of how quickly rumors spread. Directors of student life and house presidents do not listen to your concerns. They do not take care of problems instead they lock down halls if they have problems and do not bother taking care of them. It can make your life miserable. But don't be discouraged try to stay away from people that are mean and keep going. It's not the end of the world. my roommate stole many of my things and partied a lot. She spreaded rumors about me and made fun of me. My room always smelled like alcohol and weed. I went to my house president and she didn't do anything then I went to the director and nothing happened. they ignored me and treated me like I was nothing. I am transfering schools because of it. Do not think that the staff here care. They don't. They won't fix any problems.

Academic Rigor

because it's a small school the academics are a huge focus.

Tips for prospective students

Go out of your comfort zone. Join lots of clubs and take leadership roles you never thought you could.

In three sentences

You'll feel like a big fish in a small pond here. Everyone is friendly and the teachers will know you by name.

Destiny from Excelsior Springs, MO

01/04/2014

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

20 of 23

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Campus Safety

I feel 100% safe on this campus. You have to have an ID card to enter into a hall of the opposite sex and after hours, you need your ID to allow you in your own. Also, the police station is right around the corner.

Greek Life

The housing system isn't Greek, but kind of like it. You don't rush or pledge, you're in a house from the beginning and nobody is turned away!

Clubs and Activities

There is something for everybody!!!

Great for these types of students

There is no type of students on campus. Graceland offers something that I've never seen on another campus and that's an extreme friendliness. You could walk down the sidewalk and start a conversation with a complete stranger and it be normal. It's amazingly accepting and really easy to make friends-even if you're a super shy, and socially awkward person.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

During Homecoming, there is a ton of crazy competitions. One of which includes a house scavenger hunt. On the list there are various crazy items, but the one that stands out the most is the shaving of one half of a persons body. It awards 50 points if a guy does it, and 100 if a girl does.

What to do for fun

Graceland offers a variety of things to do for fun. We have COSA which put on various events including the Messy Games and New Years in November. Intramural activities are available weekly, and those are A LOT of fun. It's basically a battle between the houses to see which one will come out on top. There are many sports and clubs that Graceland offers access too. Our MSC (Memorial Student Center) is a great hang out whether you want to play pool or ping-pong, wanna play old arcade games, or just wanna hang out in the AC. We're also only an hour and a half from Des Moines and Kansas City.

Food and Dining

You have two options, the commons and the Swarm Inn Cafe. The food is pretty great in the commons with plenty of options from the classic Pizza and Salad, to our own Sub shop, to more custom options. If you're in a hurry or just not in the mood to fight the crowd, the Swarm Inn has a meal exchange option that is great for both on the go and dine in. The prices are decent if you're not meal exchanging. After 9 we have our Sting Snacks, which is everybody's favorite time. This is when the frozen cappuccino's, cheese balls, pizza, pretzels, etc. come out. Oh! We can't forget about Potato Soup Thursdays!!

Dorm Life

Graceland offers a unique housing system that you wont find at any other University. Rather than Greek life, each student is placed in a house from the day you move in and you even remain in that house if you move off campus. (Check it out on their website). You meet two hand fulls of other students right away and they become your family away from home. Aside from the students, there is house council that is AMAZING. They are involved in every aspect of student life and are always there to turn to. My HP (house president) has become an amazing friend and go to girl if I ever need anything.

Academic Rigor

Sure, you'll have your occasional cupcake class, but regardless you'll wind up studying. So take it seriously and just listen the first time around. It's not impossible to catch up, but it's definitely not easy.

Tips for prospective students

Take courses that interest you and sit in the front of the class for at least a week during the semester. Most importantly, know that your professors are there to help (Really!!). That sounds so cliche, but don't be afraid to reach out to them whether you're confused in their course or you're having other troubles. You'd be surprised at the amount of understanding and personal compassion the faculty at GU has to offer, I know I was.

In three sentences

Graceland University is an amazing school with many opportunities available that will stand out to perspective employers and graduate schools. The small campus size offers a very open and accepting atmosphere that makes meeting people really easy. It offers the possibility for appropriate student-professor relationships that not only help the student succeed, but provides the feeling of being more than a number.

Adina from INDEPENDENCE, MO

05/13/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

21 of 23

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Great for these types of students

Non-traditional students

In three sentences

This university is fabulous with helping non-traditional students like myself. This university helps out EVERY student no matter what their situation is. This university goes above and beyond their mission to help students achieve their goals.

Todd from Triangle , IA

Student life oriented people who are ready and willing to be a part of the college student body life

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Airband during homecoming is really fun

Bang for the buck

It is very expensive and you should be sure to get as much scholarship as possible

What to do for fun

There is not much in the town but GU does a lots of activities for students and staff

Food and Dining

There are options for different foods but they are all heavy and take a toll of your stomach

Dorm Life

The dorms are small ad kinds of pricy, try to get off campus as soon as possible

Academic Rigor

The classes can be hard the the teachers are generally always available as well as class assigned tutors.

Tips for prospective students

The academics are really good but the sports teams not so much. Make sure that you are ready to know everyone and have everyone know you.

In three sentences

GU has a beautiful small campus with lots of trees and scenery. The town of Lamoni is small but everyone is so friendly that you feel right at home. The weather is typical midwest stuff so make sure you are ready for that!

Jessica from Grain Valley, MO

Every hall has a house president. There are alarms for intruders, weather, etc. There is always someone to go to for anything you need and you see security on campus.

Greek Life

The entire campus is pretty much a make up of Greek Life, but in a safe and organized manner.

Clubs and Activities

THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. Because the school is structured around the Student Government (COSA, ASC, IMs, and Senate) there are several clubs and groups branching off of those things. You are able to discover new things you never knew you'd do or be interested in.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Bell. Lamoni is a small town so throughout the last few hundred years the students have come up with lots of traditions and activities that you will soon be introduced to once on campus.

What to do for fun

Look at what I said in Dorm Life. There is, literally, always something to do. There are five different groups on campus represented in the student government. COSA (student activities), IMs (Intramural Sports- halls play vs other halls), ASC (Academic Student Council), Campus Ministries, Senate, and Residence Life which makes up the HOCO (house council) and House President for each of the halls on campus. (Khiyah, Powell, Aponivi, Agape, Tiona, etc. etc.)

Food and Dining

It's all good there just isn't a lot of variety. You can expect similar if not the same meals week to week.

Dorm Life

There is truly nothing else like it. Residence Life sets up all of the dorms to what hall your on. Even if you live off campus or in the apartments you're still part of the hall. There are 9 female halls and 8 mens halls. Every semester and female and male hall are teamed up together and partake in different activities. Each Tuesday all of the halls have a weekly meeting where we take place in our individual hall's traditions and go over what's going on around campus. Each hall has their own traditions and functions and you become enveloped in the family pretty quickly if you let yourself.

Academic Rigor

Organic Chemistry and Microbiology are the hardest classes in the world. But the teachers are wonderful and truly want you to learn and retain information. This is what makes them so difficult. Don't go into college thinking you won't need to study. Because the campus is to socially unique you must be fully responsible for your own academic success. Don't go to a late night event if you have a paper due the next day that you don't feel fully confident on.

Tips for prospective students

This is a difficult school to transfer in and out of. All of their classes are unique to their MAJOR programs. So not all your classes will transfer easily. It's really difficult to live off campus, I personally don't know why you would want to considering the amazing system it is, but consider this in advance. If you want to live off campus you need to get approval before you arrive on campus in the fall.

In three sentences

Graceland University is the only school of it's kind. The housing system makes it impossible to be friendless, the teachers make all of your answers feel heard, and the memories gained from campus activities will be with you a lifetime.

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